In 1982, the Syrian government brutalized the city of Hama, causing long-lasting genetic effects in families impacted by the violence, as revealed by a groundbreaking study led by Connie Mulligan, Ph.D. This study tracked three generations of Syrian families, uncovering 14 areas in the genome impacted by the violence experienced by their grandmothers. Moreover, individuals exposed to violence in the womb displayed accelerated epigenetic aging. Mulligan and her team suggest that further research into the effects of epigenetic changes related to violence could shed light on various forms of violence, including domestic and gun violence. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the genetic impact of trauma and violence.
https://news.ufl.edu/2025/02/syrian-violence-epigenetics/